Toon Aerts finds sponsorship as he looks towards return to cyclocross - "Toon intends to return to the highest level and we want to support him in this"

Toon Aerts has been suspended after his defense failed on the Letrozole doping case, but he remains positive that he can overturn the decision. With that in sight, the Belgian cyclocross rider keeps training at a high level and has found a sponsor to continue the battle.

“We can expect a verdict in 2 to 3 months. If the verdict is negative, we can still go to the International Sports Tribunal TAS," Aerts' manager Yannick Prévost told Sporza. The Belgian has in the meantime moved on and is currently a physical education teacher in Belgium, but is anticipating his return to the sport and has gotten support.

“Our support for Toon is not a criticism of anybody whatsoever,” managing director of Toyo Tires Steven Laurijssen said in declarations to Het Nieuwsblad. “There must be rules, rules must be followed. But there is the letter of the law and there is the spirit of the law. We find the proposed punishment disproportionate as it speaks of non-intentional use.”

Aerts has found support in the company who will finance equipment for him as he looks to maintain his fitness and be ready for his return to cyclocross. He's currently suspended until the 16th of February 2024, but there are still hopes that he may do a return earlier if the evidence presented lead to reducing the sentence.

“We provide clothing with which Toon can complete his training sessions. At the same time, he receives a modest financial contribution that should enable him, for example, to complete much-needed training camps," Laurijssen continued. "Toon intends to return to the highest level and we want to support him in this. We mainly want to send a positive signal with our support. And by continuing to support Toon, we remain present in the cross.”

Aerts was initially not suspended, but traces of the substance Letrozole, a substance used to prevent the growth of estrogen in the body - hence enhance testosterone levels.